The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) 2023 Consumer Survey is conducted annually and aims to understand consumer attitudes toward online security and privacy as well as their experiences with online pharmacies. Read further for key takeaways from the survey — including troubling findings about consumer beliefs about unapproved pharmacies.
The Methodology Behind the 2023 ASOP Consumer Survey
It’s important to understand the methodology employed by ASOP to gather their data. The survey utilized online questionnaires to gather responses from a diverse range of participants. The sample size was weighted according to census data to confirm it adequately represented America’s population size. The survey states that the "margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.53%, 19 times out of 20.” This ensures the findings are statistically significant and applicable to a wide range of individuals.
Key Takeaways: Industry-specific Insights
ASOP Global Foundation’s 2023 press release breaks down the key takeaways from the survey including insights into consumer behavior and preferences. The survey’s findings emphasize the growing need for accurate information about online pharmacies, what drugs require a prescription, and the safest places online to order prescription drugs. By understanding and addressing consumer preferences and concerns businesses can build trust, enhance customer loyalty, and create a secure online environment for all users.
The Number of People Who Buy Prescriptions Online Is Higher than Ever — and Still Rising
According to survey participants:
- 85% currently use an online pharmacy to fill one or more medications.
- 71% started using an online pharmacy in the last one to three years.
- 52% have purchased medications from an online pharmacy in their lifetime.
Many Americans Who Use Online Pharmacies Make Dangerous Assumptions about the General Safety of Prescription Sellers
According to survey participants:
- 54% falsely believe all websites offering healthcare services and/or prescription medications online have been approved by the FDA and state regulators.
- 47% falsely believe that only safe, verified online pharmacies appear in Google’s top 10 search results on the first page.
- 44% falsely believe that certain prescription medications do not require a prescription from a healthcare provider in order to purchase online.
Demand for Cost Savings and Convenience Is Driving Consumers to Consider Using Unapproved Online Pharmacies
According to the survey:
- 60% of Americans who have used online pharmacies admitted they would be open to purchasing their prescriptions from an online source not approved by US regulators if that ensured the purchasing process was more convenient.
- 55% of Americans who have used online pharmacies admitted they would be open to purchasing their prescriptions from an online source not approved by US regulators if it offered more cost savings.
- 47% of Americans who have used online pharmacies admitted they would be open to purchasing their prescriptions from an online source not approved by US regulators if it provided access to prescription medications they couldn’t have otherwise obtained access to.
LegitScript Certifies Online Pharmacies so That Consumers Can Make Safe Purchases
Legitimate online pharmacies can stand out from the crowd by getting LegitScript-certified. Certification not only builds trust with the public, but also unlocks your advertising potential by enabling you to advertise on major platforms including Google, Facebook, Microsoft, TikTok, and Netflix. In an increasingly competitive space, LegitScript helps you demonstrate credibility and reach more customers.
If you’re a business or a consumer and you’d like to check the status of a healthcare website or report questionable activity, visit LegitScript’s check & report page to verify if an online pharmacy is LegitScript-certified.
